UConn-Bound DeLorenzo Has Maximized His Talent

"If all Red Sox fans like Derek Jeter for how he respects and plays the game and comes up big in big games, then that's fine by me," said DeLorenzo, a Yankees fan. "And Scheyer, well, he has been criticized for being too slow, can't jump or whatever. He has proven lots of people wrong."

Every time DeLorenzo, a senior running back/cornerback from Berlin High, steps on the field he carries a little Jeter and Scheyer with him.

DeLorenzo led the state last year with a school-record 2,154 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

"In a scrimmage this year, after I got tackled, one player said, 'Hey, I saw your highlight film, good luck at UConn,'" DeLorenzo said. "That's nice, that respect for what you've done and hopefully can achieve. And sure, I'm 6 feet and 200 pounds, so I still get bashed that I'm not quick or big enough to run the ball. That motivates me."

In the Class M championship game last year, DeLorenzo lugged the ball 44 times for 334 yards and three TDs to power the Redcoats past Bethel, 46-6. He broke his own school records for carries (39) and rushing yards (284) set in a 35-28 semifinal victory over Avon.

In the fourth quarter against Bethel, Taylor Tavarozzi scored on a 4-yard run. It was set up by DeLorenzo, who had run 42 yards and was heading for the end zone before he slid to a stop at the 4. Tavarozzi came off the bench and scored on the next play.

"Taylor's a senior captain and hadn't played in that game or against Avon [because of an ankle injury]," DeLorenzo said. "I wanted him to score."

DeLorenzo, a member of the All-Courant team last year, begins his senior season Friday night at home against East Catholic-Manchester.

"As an individual, I have my goals. I'd like to be the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year," he said. "But that is secondary to our team. We want to repeat as champion. For last year's seniors, well, that was their team. This is our senior team. This is our time."

Coach John Capodice will use DeLorenzo in the defensive backfield this year. He was a two-way player his first two seasons, but played only offense last season.

This year, the team needs him on defense. It also could be good preparation for UConn.

"I was thrilled UConn wanted me," said DeLorenzo, who orally committed in late June. "If they want me to play safety, D-back, running back, whatever they want, I won't complain. I've lived in Connecticut my whole life. So what could be better?"

DeLorenzo said he'll sign his letter of intent in November.

"Max is a Division I athlete," Capodice said. "He'll play both sides for us. He's like a bull, strong, a leader, all good things. I sense he's more relaxed, glad the recruiting process is over. Now he's just focused on what he can do to help his team."

Opposing coaches don't need a more focused DeLorenzo. Bristol Eastern coach Mike Archangelo saw DeLorenzo run for 168 yards and two TDs in a 21-3 loss to Berlin last year.

"Some of the players said afterwards he was faster than what they saw on film," Archangelo said. "Then when he gets into the open field he had great vision and more speed than they anticipated."

DeLorenzo had a 4.5 40 time at Randy Edsall's camp in June. DeLorenzo says he's a little stronger and faster than last year.

And he's working to be more of a leader. The Redcoats have three new players in the backfield in Northwest Catholic transfers quarterback Zach Zulkiewicz and running back Ras Morgan, and fullback Mason Powers, who moved over from tight end.

"I said stuff before, but I was more 'lead by example,'" said DeLorenzo, one of four team captains. "But I'll be talking more in the huddle and to the guys."

Then he'll play defense.

As for fatigue, DeLorenzo, who had a state-high 267 carries last year, doesn't believe it will be a concern.

"I've played both ways before," he said. "I'm a little older, stronger, more experienced, so fatigue might not affect me as much. Bottom line is, when I'm in a game mode and all hyped up, I don't feel tired. It's time to go, so let's go."